June was a great month of press coverage for Smith & Associates Real Estate! Broker Bob was honored with the USF Outstanding Alumni Award, a recognition of his decades of leadership and community investment in the region he has helped shape. Smith also landed on the cover of the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Who's Who in Real Estate, went national with a Southern Living feature spotlighting Bob's market expertise and why St. Pete and Tampa are tops for Gulf Coast living, and earned back-to-back industry recognitions that reflect the strength of our entire team. Regional coverage kept pace from the AQUA groundbreaking to listings and market stories across the St. Pete and Tampa Bay area throughout the month.

Press Featuring Smith & Associates Real Estate

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Tampa Bay's Most Earned Publicity in Real Estate — 2025

In 2025, Smith & Associates Real Estate generated more earned media than any other real estate firm in Tampa Bay. From historic estates to skyline-defining towers, Smith told the stories behind Tampa Bay's most remarkable properties — and the region's top journalists, broadcasters, and publishers took notice.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

$20.3 million in publicity value. 2.3 million in audience reach. 122 media mentions — January through November 2025 alone. These aren't paid placements. This is earned coverage: reporters, editors, and producers choosing Smith & Associates stories because they matter to Tampa Bay.

Smith's Stories Became the Region's Biggest Real Estate Headlines

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Across fourteen media placements — from the Tampa Bay Times to Yahoo News, from Fox 13 to the Tampa Bay Business Journal — Smith & Associates was in the conversation about Tampa Bay real estate more than anyone else. That's not an accident. It reflects the listings we bring to market, the agents who know this region inside and out, and the decades of trust we've built here.

Here's a look at what made news.

The Tampa Bay Times covered a once-in-a-generation listing on Snell Isle.

A century-old mansion on Snell Isle hit the market at $12.5 million and the Tampa Bay Times took notice — as did the St. Pete Catalyst. It's the kind of property that only comes around once in a generation, and it came to market through us.

A Water Street penthouse…

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THE PRINCIPLE OF MAXIMUM EXPOSURE

Why the Open Market Remains the Gold Standard in Luxury Real Estate

 

The most enduring principle in real estate is also the most straightforward: a home achieves its truest value only when the broadest audience of qualified buyers has the opportunity to pursue it. What follows is our position, informed by research, refined by experience, and offered in service of the clients who trust us with their most significant assets.

 

THE ALLURE OF PRIVACY AND ITS LIMITATIONS

In certain circles, the idea of a private or off-market listing carries a sense of exclusivity. The implication is simple: restrict access, elevate perception, achieve a better result.

It sounds compelling. It rarely holds up.

At Smith…

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As of March 2026, the South Tampa real estate market has transitioned from the "gold rush" fever of the early 2020s into a period of sophisticated stabilization. While other parts of the Tampa Bay area are seeing price corrections, South Tampa—specifically neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, and Bayshore—continues to command premium valuations due to its geographic scarcity and relentless demand.

 South Tampa

1. The Price Paradox: Stability Amidst the Surge

While the broader Hillsborough County median home price hovers around $395,000, South Tampa exists in a different stratosphere. In 2026, entry-level "fixer-uppers" in South Tampa rarely dip below $600,000, with well-maintained single-family homes frequently exceeding $1.2 million.

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From Dog Spas to Catios: Upscale Home Features for Pampered Pets

Luxury real estate is going to the dogs…and cats! In today’s high-end homes, “pet-friendly” has taken on a whole new meaning. Upscale buyers aren’t just looking for gourmet kitchens and spa bathrooms for themselves—they’re also seeking luxurious amenities for their four-legged family members. At Smith & Associates Real Estate, we’ve even seen a listing where the family cat was such a star that Realtor Nick Buchanan joked “the cat owns the house.” From custom dog wash stations to designer cat lounges, these features balance comfort, style, and a dash of fun. In this post, we explore the top upscale home trends that cater to pet lovers who want the very best for their fur babies.

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Sunshine, salt breezes, and endless water views – Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg are a boater’s paradise. Florida’s mild climate allows for year-round boating, with warm temperatures (averaging ~70°F) and even winter months bringing ideal conditions and spectacular sunsets. In fact, like many Florida coastal cities, the best way to experience Tampa and St. Pete’s waterfront charms is often by boat. Boating here isn’t just a hobby; it’s woven into the very fabric of the local lifestyle, offering a blend of leisure, adventure, and luxury that few places can match.

Local residents enjoy weekend cruises to nearby islands, world-class fishing in the bay, and vibrant social scenes at yacht clubs – all against the backdrop of stunning sunsets over the…

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In luxury real estate, staying ahead of interior design trends can give properties a distinctive marketing edge. Today’s discerning buyers often first encounter homes through photographs – on listings, social media, and of course Pinterest – where visually striking spaces capture instant attention. It’s no surprise that designers are going all in with bold décor choices that make interiors feel curated and upscale. A memorable detail like a dramatic accent wall or a stunning chandelier can convey a lifestyle of luxury and sophistication at a glance. In fact, 2025’s interior trends indicate that walls are being treated as canvases: “designers are going all in with fresh patterns, whimsical prints, and textures” on walls, making them “the star of the show.”…

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Wellness Rooms: The Must-Have Luxury Home Trend

Luxury real estate is increasingly about more than opulent finishes and prime locations – it's about enhancing health and well-being at home. An emerging trend in high-end homes is the inclusion of dedicated wellness rooms and features, effectively turning residences into personal health sanctuaries. From tranquil massage and meditation spaces to high-tech home spas, these wellness-focused areas are becoming must-haves for today’s discerning buyers. This movement is evident not only in Florida’s upscale markets like Tampa Bay, but also nationally and even globally, as the wellness real estate sector booms into a $500+ billion industry.

The Global Rise of Wellness-Focused Homes

The concept of…

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The Ultimate Guide to Closet Designers: Luxury Trends, Top Brands, and Home Value Boosters

Closets have evolved from simple storage spaces into luxury retreats within our homes. A well-designed closet not only keeps your wardrobe organized, but also adds a touch of personal luxury and even boosts real estate appeal. Whether you’re a Miami luxury condo owner or a homebuyer eyeing a mid-range property, understanding the world of custom closet design can inspire smart upgrades. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight top national and Miami-based closet designers, explore high-end customization options (from illuminated shoe walls to jewelry safes), share solutions for mid-range budgets, discuss the latest design trends (minimalism, sustainability,…

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